I think it's time to try an ALL natural progression
Hey all,
So after I clean up this Crown razor I just won: Crown Razor Co. Straight Razor with box on eBay.ca (item 150355608051 end time 06-Jul-09 10:00:38 EDT)= I've decided to hone it with a method that I haven't tried before.
Typically what I've done is use my DMT/Nortons to create the bevel and sharpen up to 8000, then take it to my naturals (coticules, thuringians, nakayama) for the polishing and finishing.
But what I'm going to try to do is the following:
1) Tape the spine.
2) Lightly run the edge over the rim of a glass to remove any micro-chips.
3) Set the bevel on a coticule with fairly heavy slurry. I'll use the marker test to ensure the whole edge is being honed, and test with the TNT.
4) After the bevel is set I'll do a few laps on the coticule with a fresh light slurry. Perhaps 20-30 laps.
5) 50-100 laps on the BBW side of my coticule with a light slurry.
6) 50-100 laps on the BBW with just water.
7) 50-100 laps on the coticule with just water.
8) 50-100 laps on my nakayama with just water for the finish.
I'm not sure if the BBW with just water (step #6) is necessary, but figure it can't hurt. Do you think the number of laps for the coticule/BBW is reasonable given that the bevel is set correctly? This will be the first time I've used my coticule and BBW for anything other than polishing, so I'm new at this. I have a feeling step #3 will be the step that will be the most difficult, but I want to try. :) I didn't give an estimate of number of laps for step #3 since I think it really depends on the initial condition of the razor and frankly I have no idea how many it will take. I've read threads and posts about just using the coticule and BBW, but I think it's about time I give it a shot since I have the equipment.
It would be nice if this method works since I only need 2 stones to complete the entire progression, my coticule/BBW glued combo and my nakayama. The nakayama wouldn't even be necessary since I do like the edge off of the coticule, but it's better when finished on the nakayama :D. But, the edge off of the naturals I'm used to is one that was previously sharpened on synthetics, so I'm concerned that my sharpness will be lacking with just the naturals.
Oh well, I have the stones so I might as well experiment with them! When the razor comes I will post the results of my progress. Wish me luck!
Worse case scenario I can always bust out my DMT 1200 and Norton 4k/8k if I give up. :p